The physiological construction of the neurone concept (1891-1952)

Steps in the physiological construction of the neurone concept are described. Early ideas on the function of the nerve cell led to later polemics on the neurone doctrine and the speculative attitude of histophysiology. Researches of Sherrington and Adrian emerged from a specific British context, and confronted American oscillography and Berger rhythm. At the end of various polemics, the neurone was constructed by the intracellular technique and the use of concepts borrowed from other sub-disciplines. Analysis of these paths demonstrates underlying disciplinary interactions as essential factors.